Windows 7 to Windows 10 Upgrade Guide

Windows 7 to Windows 10 Upgrade 

There are essentially three options.
  1. Press “Don’t Remind Me Again” 
  2. Upgrade Current Computer Software from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
  3. Purchase a new computer, they all come with Windows 10 pre-installed.
 

Necessary programs to have on Windows 10

    • Paid version of Malwarebytes 
      Premium version will provide proactive protection.
    • ShutUp10 
      This will disable many unnecessary Windows 10 “features”
    • OpenShell 
      Do you hate the new Windows 10 start menu? Have no fear. Make it look like the familiar Windows 7 again.
    • Windows 7 Games for Windows 10
      Windows 10 removed most of the Windows Games (Free Cell, Solitaire etc). If you used them and need them this is for you.

Those are the top 3-4 items we would recommend you look at if you are trying to make the transition smoother.

Read a more thorough guide below on some upgrade steps.

…Windows 7 to Windows 10 Complete Upgrade Guide… 

Systems running Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 will continue to work at their current capacity even after support ends on January 14, 2020. There just won’t be any more fixes for new issues in form of updates.

Starting on January 15th, 2020, all Windows 7  customers will begin to see a full-screen alert when they login or at 12 PM. This alert states:  Your Windows 7 PC is out of support.  As of January 14, 2020, support for Windows 7 has come to an end. Your PC is more vulnerable to viruses and malware.

There are 3 OPTIONS for the next steps to take…

OPTION 1

Press “Don’t Remind Me Again” 

 This solution should last several months at the very least, possibly a year or more.

OPTION 2

Upgrade Your current Windows 7 software to Windows 10 for FREE*

This still works as of September, 2021.
 

OPTION 3

Buy a New Computer

 Buying a new computer is the most expensive of the options. 

OPTION 1

Press “Don’t Remind Me Again” 

 This solution should last several months at the very least, possibly a year or more. 
 
Systems running Windows 7  will continue to work at their current capacity even after support ends on January 14, 2020.
 
However, using unsupported software may increase the likelihood of malware and other security threats

When the Windows 7 warning (seen above) comes on. You can press the Don’t Remind me again text on the bottom left corner.

What will happen is, you will continue to use your computer like you did before. 

Slowly, websites like banks, online shopping etc will start warning you that you have a computer that it unsupported and it not secure.

This option Allows for more time to find the next computer to purchase and also budget for it.

OPTION 2

UPGRADE Your current Windows 7 computer to Windows 10 for FREE*

 *FREE for the software upgrade if you do it yourself. This option still works as of September 2021.
Our labor charge is not included in the FREE cost and could be 2-3 hours on average depending on your computer and internet speed.
 

If your computer is less than 6 years old, chances are that you can still keep using it for several more years if nothing else breaks during that time. 

You can watch this  HOW-TO VIDEO or  Follow the steps below in text form if you want to do it yourself.

 

IMPORTANT STEP:  Make sure you have your documents and data backed up to an external drive. In case something goes wrong.

Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (Links to Microsoft)

Double-click the MediaCreationTool.exe to launch the Windows 10 setup wizard.

Click Accept to the licensing agreement.

Select the Upgrade this PC now option to download the files and begin the upgrade.

Click the Next button.

Click the Accept button to agree to the licensing agreement again.

Select the Keep personal files and apps option.

Click the Install button.

This part can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2+ hours.  

After installation completes, you will need to go through a few steps to back to your desktop and files.

OPTION 3

BUY A New Computer

 Buying a new computer is the most expensive of the options. If you invest wisely and buy a decent computer, it will already come with Windows 10 operating system. A New computer will also be faster in most cases.

We would be happy to help you in choosing the right computer for your needs as well as your budget. 
Here is some free advice based on our experience to get you started.

We cannot recommend specific computer models at this time as there are too many and budgets play a role as well. 

If you need help finding the right computer for you, we can assist you.

Hope this has been helpful. Feel free to reach out to us if we can be of any help with this transition.

New Computer Buying Guide

If you are purchasing another Windows Computer please keep these tips in mind for the best, and fastest experience.

Apple computers are easiest as their options are limited to a few models.  The information below also applies to Macs.

Computer Specifications
Memory (RAM): 8GB or 16GB or higher

Hard Drive: At least a 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD) very important that it is an SSD for fastest speed. Do not purchase anything under 256GB SSD as it will run out of space fairly quickly.

Processor: Intel Processor i3, i5, i7 or i9. The higher the number, the more expensive it will be.  We prefer Intel instead of AMD processors.

Brand: Dell or Lenovo. Other brands are OK too. These are our preferred brands from experience.  Check out the outlet sections as well for Refurbished products that still usually come with 1-3 year warranties and are cheaper.

We recommend buying directly from Dell.com , Dell.com/Outlet , Lenovo.com  or Lenovo Outlets
If you prefer to buy in store, consider MicroCenter.com if there’s one near you as their selection is better than BestBuy or Staples.

Dell and Lenovo websites refurbished are just new computers returned for any reason, the company retests but can’t sell as a new product so it sells cheaper.